I'm learning Java in college. The book they supplied us isn't cutting it for me and I'm looking for recommendations of other books I can purchase to help me grasp everything.

The area I am having trouble in is knowing what code to use when reading problems. I understand the basics so far such as the hello world, string, int and variables; but I am needing more help understanding beyond that.

Are there any books that can help me better understand the foundation of reading word problems and interpreting how to write them out in code.

Knowing what code to use doesn't come from reading, it comes from practicing, from coding. Stop reading, and don't buy another book, just start coding and don't stop until you understand it. Go back to Chapter 1, type out every example in that chapter. Run the examples, understand them as presented, and then change them up and run them to understand the syntax and the results of your changes. When you think you understand the material presented in the chapter body. do the chapter exercises. Do every exercise until you get it right. When you've done that, move to Chapter 2 and repeat.

Any programming book is only as good as the effort you make to understand and practice the material it presents. Another book won't help. Sometimes, seeing the same material presented in different ways can be helpful, but that's typically with the more advanced topics. You should be able to work through the first 8 to 10 chapters using the method I described without referring to another book. If you must, use the Java Tutorials for additional guidance and info. Come here and ask questions when you're confused.

Good luck!

October 25th, 2013, 12:28 AM

jRele

Re: Needa different book recommendation

Greg,

That actually sounds like a very solid thing to do. I'll restart my reading this weekend. I look forward to this all making more sense to me. I'm sure I'll be back with questions, but until then I'll do my best with the book I have. Thanks again!